The Renaissance hotel in Bordeaux, at the origin of this project, is inaugurating this new sports space in the city center on Wednesday.
Le Figaro Bordeaux
Climb old grain silos dating from 1929, protected by the buildings of France and recognized by UNESCO as industrial heritage, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at a height of 33 meters. This is the luxurious experience that Bordelais, tourists or customers of the Renaissance hotel in Bordeaux will be able to indulge in, from its inauguration on Wednesday. The concept was born during the construction of this four-star establishment, in June 2021. “We planned to make rooms in the silos, but it was not possible because it was too expensive”explains general manager Cédric Decaudin. After having built the hotel entrance in the two indestructible grain silos due to their heritage protection, it remained to enhance their exterior.
“The idea came to me during a tour of the site. That day, mountaineers were removing graffiti from the top of the silos with a karcher and they were rappelling down.” The image printed in memory, Cédric Decaudin undertakes the necessary administrative procedures, obtains the agreement of the buildings of France and the support of the town hall of Pierre Hurmic. Then he refined his project with Ferran Yusta, president of the local association Grimpe de rue (Grue), whose expertise made it possible to order “good studies on the solidity of concrete and sockets”.
60 climbing routes
Open to the general public for a daily rate varying from 13 to 25 euros depending on age, this new outdoor climbing area will offer 60 new routes. In the heart of Bordeaux. “This corresponds to the ecological image of the city. It’s outside, you can come by tram and it brings new life to a site that has existed since 1929.”rejoices the general manager of the Renaissance Hotel. Except in the case of strong winds, the climbing wall will remain open continuously, even in case of rain. “As if you were going to the mountains”describes Cédric Decaudin.
Accessible from Wednesday to Sunday, the grain silos can be climbed by 25 people simultaneously. Two instructors from UCPA Bordeaux will supervise them. “There will be a lot of instructions on knots and carabiners. Whether you’re climbing 10 meters or 33 meters, the need for safety is the same.”recalls Céline Cluzel, the director of the UCPA. Verification of knowledge with an autonomy questionnaire for seasoned climbers, self-rolling for those who wish to climb alone and verification of equipment will therefore be required. Around, a café, an artificial beach and a barbecue area have been installed to allow athletes to come with family or friends and do “community”.
